Sarah Elizabeth Collins, 54
Sarah Elizabeth Collins, 54, died quietly on Friday evening, January 16, 2026, at Emerson Hospital in Acton, surrounded by her beloved family.
She was born October 11, 1971, in Provo, Utah. Her family moved to New England when she was 2, and Sarah grew up mostly in Marlborough. She attended St. Anne Montessori School, then Marlborough Public Schools during her elementary years. When it came time for middle school, she had the good fortune to be accepted at The Krebs School in Lexington. In 1986, Krebs merged with The Cotting School of Boston, and The Cotting School then moved to the Lexington campus. She graduated with her GED from Cotting in 1993.
Following her graduation, she was invited to become a “charter” resident at a beautiful new home aptly named Hope House, a four-year pilot residential independent living program conceptualized and staffed by Cotting School. She lived at Hope House from September 2000 to April 2005. During those years, she continued to work; learned to manage her money, pay her bills, and navigate public transportation via “The Ride”; and enjoy the company of her housemates. It was a joyous chapter in her life.
In 2005, she moved into an ILP overseen by Minute Man Arc for Human Services Inc., headquartered in Acton. She lived in a charming apartment in West Acton with a roommate and knew everyone in town. She loved walking to the West Acton 5&10, stopping in for a chat and slice of pizza at Walden Italian Kitchen, or lunching at the Ninety-Nine. She was always on the lookout for cute stickers, cards, and gifts for family and friends. (Sarah was always thinking about others.) Ten years in the apartment were followed by seven years living at the MMARC house on Pine Street. She called the Littleton House her home during the past four years.
Her life took an unexpected and exhilarating turn when she crossed paths with David Inferrera in January 2010. They soon became inseparable and were often seen walking West Acton together. To witness their relationship remains a wonder for all to behold. Their deep devotion and commitment to each other was a rare treasure that few experience in this lifetime.
Sarah was employed by Whole Foods Market for 20 years. She was a dedicated and enthusiastic employee. She bagged groceries, returned items to the shelves, answered customers’ questions about where to find what, and collected carriages from the parking lot. She handed out stickers to the kids. She brightened the lives of both customers and colleagues with her sunny disposition and willingness to help.
She was a dedicated volunteer at Boston Latter-day Saints Temple for almost 20 years. She worked in the cafeteria and laundry and often could be heard singing in the temple vestibule while waiting for “The Ride” to pick her up. (They were always late.)
Sarah was a bright light who never complained, although she encountered and endured more than her share of daunting medical challenges throughout her life. She was an active and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong but simple faith, and she trusted that there was a plan for her life — a life full of meaning, purpose, and direction.
She is survived by her parents Linda Othote (Lou), and Jim Collins (Candace); three brothers Christian, David, and Matthew; a nephew Emerson; the love of her life David John Inferrera; an extended family too numerous to name — including her paternal grandparents Max and Genevieve Collins, who preceded her in death — and a long list of MMARC employees and residential staff who have been her loving caretakers and ministering angels for the past 20 years.
Her Celebration of Life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 616 Great Road, Littleton, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visiting hour from 1-2 p.m. prior to her service at the church.
Sarah will be buried in Eastlawn Memorial Hills Cemetery in Provo, Utah, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. She will join her maternal grandparents, Chase and Virginia Allred, her Uncle Rod, and her cousin Tiny Ginger.
With hearts full of both overwhelming gratitude and humble awe, Sarah’s family would like to thank her extraordinary hospice team at Emerson Hospital (Wheeler 5) for their tender, loving care during her last week.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sarah’s name to Emerson Hospital or Minute Man Arc for Human Services, Inc., so they can continue their essential work of compassionate and competent care for our fellow human beings.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence on Sarah’s tribute page, visit DeeFuneralHome.com. Utah arrangements are under the care of Utah Valley Mortuary, Linden, Utah.
